Mersey Docks and Harbour Company The has posted a healthy 5.9% boost in underlying pre-tax profit on a turnover up by 6.9% in its interim results for the first half of 2004. Continuing growth in container traffic in both Liverpool and Dublin is evident and ro-ro prospects are strengthening, with the likelihood of additional shipping capacity before the end of this year and in 2005. The outlook remains positive and progress is expected in all operating divisions in the second half of this year, together with further significant property disposals.